I found the opening comparison a bit much, but overall the article resonated with thoughts we've had the last few weeks as our son fought in the "front-lines" in Lebanon. The concept of "collateral damage" has a completely different meaning when the"innocents" are willingly (or occassionally against their will) used as "human shields" to protect the enemy combatants. That in itself is a "sugiah" that should be explored and a halachic concensus arrived concerning!

You sound as though the Mother actually had a choice. You must know this is not the case.
Most likely at the moment of separation. she had not inkling of her child's ultimate fate.